A metal-free synthesis of arylamines via the direct amination of phenols
using easily accessible aminating reagents provides a versatile route to a broad
range of arylamines with various functionalities in good yield. By using a
two-step route of amination and oxidative coupling reaction, three naturally
occurring carbazole alkaloids are synthesized from commercially available
phenols: murrayafoline A, mukonine, and clausenine.